Simple magnets managing complex medical issue - New option in Acid Reflux

THE LINX REFLUX MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: STOP REFLUX AT ITS SOURCE

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The LINX® Reflux Management System augments the weak LES, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux.

How Does the LINX System Work?

The LINX System is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The magnetic attraction between the beads is intended to help the LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. (See Fig. 1) LINX is designed so that swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach. (See Fig. 2) Magnetic attraction of the device is designed to close the LES immediately after swallowing, restoring the body’s natural barrier to reflux. (See Fig. 3).

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  Figure 1: The LINX System is designed to help the LES resist opening to gastric pressures.
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  Figure 2: The LINX System is designed to expand to allow for normal swallowing.
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  Figure 3: Magnetic attraction of the device is designed to close the LES immediately after swallowing.

How is the LINX System Implanted?

The LINX System is placed around the esophagus just above the stomach using a common, minimally invasive surgical technique called laparoscopy. (See Fig. 1-3).

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  Figure 1: A precision sizing tool is used to determine the appropriate size LINX System.
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  Figure 2: The LINX System is positioned around the LES using suture tails.
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  Figure 3: The ends of the LINX System are aligned and joined for secure closure.

Patients are placed under general anesthesia during the procedure, which generally lasts less than an hour. The LINX System does not require any anatomic alteration of the stomach. Most patients go home the day after surgery and resume a normal diet.

Source:

http://www.toraxmedical.com/linx/

Heartburn - may be we do not need to be heartbroken anymore!

First Magnetic Fix For Heartburn

Chronic heartburn or gastric esophageal reflux disease—commonly called GERD can lead to serious health problems including cancer of the esophagus.

Traditionally GERD has been treated with medication and sometimes surgery.

Now, after five years of clinical trials, there’s a new treatment option called LINX Reflux Management System.

Torax Medical Inc., in Minnesota manufactures the device that was FDA approved in March.

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Credit: UC San Diego Health System

Above: Santiago Horgan, MD., demonstrates how the LINX device closes off esophagus to prevent backward flow of stomach content.

Santiago Horgan,MD, of UC San Diego Health System implanted the LINX in a 29-year old man with GERD on Monday.

“The LINX is composed of a flexible string of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core. Once implanted, the circular band closes in on itself, squeezing shut the last few centimeters of the esophagus,” explained Horgan.

When the esophagus is closed it prevents the backward flow of acidic stomach contents.

The device is put into place during a 20-30 minute outpatient surgery while the patient is under anesthesia. Patients are able to go home the same day.

One major drawback is patients with the LINX implant are prohibited from getting MRI (or Magnetic Resonance Imaging) tests until the device has been surgically removed.

What is GERD?... see you soon!